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The Central American nation of Belize sits along the Caribbean Sea, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. Nearly half of the country's landmass has been designated as nature preserves and national parks, according to the iExplore Travel Guide. Many of Belize's natural areas conceal Mayan ruins dating back thousands of years. Shrouded under the cover of tropical rain forest, these sites attract tourists with their incredible architecture and powerful mystique.

History

Mayan tribes inhabited Belize from 1,000 B.C. onward. This civilization was fairly primitive until around the fourth century. The Maya of Belize flourished between 300 and 900 during what has been dubbed both the Classic Period and the Mayan Golden Age, according to Belize Explorer Travel.

It was around this time that the kingdoms and principalities of the Maya gave rise to massive cities and ceremonial sites. Belize's fertile climate and location along the coast of the Caribbean Sea made it an important hub for Mayan development.

The Golden Age came to an abrupt end around 900, and the once-glorious temples and pyramids of the Maya sank into the jungle, where they would stay hidden for hundreds of years. Many of these ruins have now been discovered, but numerous sites remain lost in the forests of Belize. Today, tourists have the opportunity to travel to some of the most important sites of the ancient Mayan world as part of their trip to Belize.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha lies in northern Belize. This is the most easily accessible site in the country, according to Frommer's Travel Guide. Located just 28 miles outside of Belize City, these ruins can be reached quickly by rental car, tour bus or taxi. Altun Ha features two plazas with pyramids, tombs, temples and ceremonial mounds.

Many precious artifacts have been discovered here, including the jade-head sculpture of Kinich Ahau. This sculpture of the Mayan sun god ranks as one of the most important Mayan relics in the world, according to Fodor's Travel Guide. It is currently stored in the Central Bank of Belize, but there's still plenty to marvel at in Altun Ha even though you can't see this priceless piece. Highlights include the Temple of the Green Tomb and the Temple of Masonry Altars.

Lamanai

The ruins of Lamanai also lie in northern Belize. According to Fodor's Travel Guide, it takes around 2.5 hours to drive here with a tour bus or private shuttle. Lamanai boasts three looming pyramids as well as a host of Mayan stelae. There's even an ancient ball court for visitors to explore.

Fodor's calls Lamanai the longest-occupied Mayan site in Belize. This site was inhabited well after the first Europeans arrived in the New World. Archaeologists estimate that the site was continuously occupied up until 1700, making Lamanai one of few Mayan sites to withstand the arrival of the Spaniards for several centuries. A couple of missionary churches dot the grounds, standing as testaments to the successful co-existence of Spaniards and Mayans in this region.

Caracol

The Caracol ruins can be found in the Chiquibil Forest Reserve of western Belize. Frommer's Travel Guide ranks Caracol as the largest Mayan archaeological site in the country. Many of the ruins remain only half-excavated, creating a truly rugged atmosphere and sense of discovery for tourists visiting the site.

The Caracol's Caana Pyramid towers some 140 feet in the air, making it the tallest Mayan structure in Belize. Situated about three hours' drive from the town of San Ignacio, this massive complex dwarfs most of the other sites around Belize. Much of the grounds have yet to be fully excavated, and there's no telling how many additional ruins are actually hiding beneath the dirt and overgrowth.

Xunantunich

The Xunantunich site is closer to San Ignacia and more extensively excavated. Though smaller, this impressive Mayan city dates back to the Classic Period, around 600 to 900. Tourists must cross the Mopan River on small ferries to get to the ruins.

Xunantunich houses 25 temples and palaces as well as an on-site museum, according to Slickrock.com. El Castillo Pyramid dominates the grounds. This is the second tallest Mayan structure in Belize, and hikers that climb to the top will be rewarded with scenic views of the surrounding valleys and river. You can even see as far as the Guatemalan border, eight miles away, on clear days.

El Pilar

El Pilar sprawls over roughly 100 acres, straddling the border between western Belize and Guatemala. Much of this archaeological site has not been excavated, according to Fodor's Travel Guide. Occupied from 700 to 1000, El Pilar features a large concentration of domestic structures and sentry posts that indicate its former status as a stronghold for Mayan officials.

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About the Author

David Thyberg began his writing career in 2007. He is a professional writer, editor and translator. Thyberg has been published in various newspapers, websites and magazines. He enjoys writing about social issues, travel, music and sports. Thyberg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with a certificate in Spanish and Latin American studies.

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